Download RDD-1580

Figure 1 is an example of the kind of screen
shot you can expect to see, much of which
is self-explanatory.
The upper section lists the tracks that you are
about to rip (copy); the lower left box provides
the facility to select the encoder that you wish
to use, along with your choice of folder and
naming schemes. The lower middle box gives
you the opportunity to adjust the encoder
settings and the lower right box will provide
options for Meta data and album art.
dbpoweramp provides an excellent introduction
to the world of digital music.
For more advanced (or brave!) users we can
suggest JRiver Media Center, which is a much
more complex program featuring many additional functions including video replay. This
software is designed to be the focal point for all
media that is audio, pictures, images and video
on your computer. We shall concentrate on
audio aspects.
Figure 1
At the time of writing this guide, the most
recent version of the Media Centre is Version
18. The download comes with a free 30-day
trial period.
This Media Centre has a built-in feature called
WASAPI; this is a new audio software interface
between the operating system and the music
player. It bypasses many unnecessary Windows software layers and keeps the signal path
as direct and short as possible. It is mentioned
here because the software has been specially
developed for Windows 7 and Vista to optimize
data transfer between Windows and an asynchronous DAC. Media Center 18 version is well
suited to be used with a RDD-1580 because
the RDD-1580 uses asynchronous DAC technology for the PC/USB input.
In line with dbpoweramp, Media Center 18
can easily import your existing music libraries.
(If you are already using iTunes because you
own an iPod or iPhone you could still rip (copy)
your CDs using iTunes and import your files to
JRiver. In such a set-up, iTunes would still be
used to download to your portable devices
and JRiver (or dbpoweramp) to feed your
RDD-1580).
JRiver Media Center will decode Apple files
or other types of files such as FLAC, APE, etc.
and will automatically read high-resolution files.
Installation is easy and straightforward and
does not require third party software; everything is included.
Figure 2
Once downloading of Media Centre 18 is
completed open the application and on the
task bar and select Tools, Options. In the new
window select (highlight) CD, DVD, and BD.
Under the CD Ripping section, tab select from
the drop-down menu Copy Mode: Secure.
This is a very important adjustment. If you use
JRiver to rip your CD’s this setting will give you
a secure copy; in other words, a bit-for-bit copy.
With this feature activated, your computer
will be given permission to read the information
on your CD as many times as required until
the whole content of the copied file is an exact
replica of the original.
Finally, with regard to audio replay you might
wish to set the output format under ‘Audio
-Settings – DSP & output format’. Here you
will be able to have the output changed ‘on the
fly’. This is another area for experimentation
however since you have gone to all the trouble
of ensuring that you have a great copy of your
music the default options will be fine.
Selecting your preferred encoder (Codec) is
made under Options – Encoding – Encoder
where you may select from a dropdown list.
Figure 2 is an example of a screen shot;
the program is provided with helpful links
built into the software itself, so can guide
you as you use it.